archiving data

Now is as good a time as any to be thinking about project
organization. Check the Forms section of this website where budget forms,
referral for bid forms, order of work charts can be found. These come in handy
if decently sorted. Keeping records of everything will produce results later.
No one can remember every detail.

Keeping a journal of the project from the first day not only
assists the memory, but it also helps keep perspective, not to mention that the
very effort calms emotions. Calling to mind one of a thousand or so details is
difficult at best. Writing things down saves money and relationships.

In the journal (format provided in Forms section), write
down weather conditions, who comes to the job, who doesn’t show up for
appointments, what equipment comes on the project. If there is an injury, write
a report as soon as possible (while it is still fresh in mind) and be sure to
follow up on outcome.

Make it a habit to file at least once a week, preferably
more often. Seven days’ records are easily managed, seven weeks’ records are
not.